I once read a story about an earthquake. Actually, it was about a family who experience an earthquake. Like something out of Biblical times, the author described the rolling and convulsing of the earth. Finally, once the chaotic motion stopped and things steadied the author and his family quickly went back to their cabin. Though the tremor had caused a power outage in the area, they fortunately had a generator and were able to get in contact with friends and family and make due until repairs were made and they could return to normality.
Outdoor recreation. Emergencies. Extra energy standbys. Generators are for the “just in case” and “no other power source available” situations. When you use one its because something went wrong or there’s not really another options. When a citywide blackout occurs all the neighbors flock to the house that wisely bought one “just in case”. Before embarking on a camping trip the less organic adventurers will bring a generator along to do anything from make grilling less rustic or charge their cell phones. They’re used only when needed and until just the right situation arises the power producing contraption lays dormant, waiting for a signal (or for someone to hit the “ON” switch).
Sometimes my God is my generator.
My life is full of relationships, adventure, and things that preoccupy my time and thoughts more than I probably even realize. Laughter truly is great medicine and lifts my spirits even when they are soaring steadily on their own. Relationships bring peace and comfort when circumstances give only disheartening disharmony. During times of tranquility the people in life add edge and breathe joy into my soul. Interests, passions, and the bittersweet responsibility often drive me forward and are the bricks that I use to form and create this undefined thing, called life.
But.
When my soul hits a point of desperation. When my sources of comfort are gone and things aren't familiar and don’t make sense. When everything turns from bright and shiny to dark and twisty. In tragedy. In despair. In failure. In need.
That’s when I flip the switch of my Generator.
It’s in those times that God becomes my strength, my source. It is then that the Bible becomes a “lamp unto my feet”. When my normal sources of power run out I turn to my trusty ol’ God generator to make everything better until the dusts settles and I can return to normality.
The reality of this makes me want to change. The reality of this humbles me with the realization that I have both been missing out on what it means for God to be my source and what it means for other things to not be. Maybe accepting and living in this reality would allow me to experience a relationship bigger than a power source in addition to being able to drink deeper and enjoy the things I once thought I needed.
No comments:
Post a Comment